Japan awarded forfeit win

TOKYO (AFP) – Asian champions Japan have been awarded a 3-0 win over Venezuela after the South Americans were found to have fielded an ineligible player during their friendly in September.

Football’s governing body FIFA have amended the result of the September 9 game in Yokohama, which ended in a 2-2 draw, on their official website as striker Salomon Rondon had picked up a red card in Venezuela’s friendly against South Korea a few days earlier.

“We have heard from FIFA that Japan won’t be affected negatively,” JFA technical director Hiromi Hara told local media. “Therefore, even if Venezuela are punished, Japan’s appearances and goalscorers will remain as they are.”